Renting (Hurr Collective, By Rotation, Rent the Runway UK) makes sense for specific categories where buying is poor value. Occasion wear (wedding outfits, formal events), holiday wardrobes, maternity pieces — all worn briefly and stored long.
Where rental wins
Wedding guest dresses (one-time use, then sits). Holiday capsule wardrobes (week of use, then back to normal life). Maternity work clothes (3-6 months of use). Designer pieces you'd otherwise never wear.
Where rental doesn't help
Daily basics (cost per wear too low to bother). Items needing alterations. Categories where ownership matters (winter coats, daily shoes).
Try renting one occasion piece for the next event. Most users find the experience easier than expected and the cost-per-wear maths obvious.